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^^d Ssfon"} HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |^°^Tn^"' 

\ No. 804 



George Robert Patterson 

(Late a Representative from Pennsylvania) 



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X.' 



MEMORIAL ADDRESSES 



Fifty-ninth Congress 
First Session 



HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
April 22, 1906 



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Compiled under the direction of the Joint Committee on Printing 



WASHINGTON : : GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE : : 1907 



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JUN 1 1907 
D. OF D. 



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TABLE OF CONTENTS. 



Page. 

Proceedings in the House 5 

Prayer by Rev. Henry N. Couden, D. D 5, 7, 8 

Memorial addresses by — 

Mr. Samuel, of Pennsylvania 11 

Mr. Kline, of Pennsylvania 18. 

Mr. Hogg, of Colorado 2j 

Mr. Dale, of Pennsylvania 25 

Mr. Lafean, of Pennsylvania 27 

Mr. Schneebeli, of Pennsylvania 30 

Mr. Aiken, of South Carolina 31 

Mr. Goulden, of New York 34 

Proceedings in the Senate , 37 

3 



Death of representative George R. Patterson 



PROCEEDINGS IN THE HOUSE 

Wednesday, March 21, ig>o6. 

The House met at 12 o'clock noon. 

The Chaplain, Rev. Henry N. Couden, D. D., offered the 
following prayer: 

Oh, Thou great Spirit, who hast been the inspiration of men 
to high and noble achievement, help us to realize that it is not 
what we get out of the world but what we put into the world 
that counts for righteousness. Inspire us, therefore, with high 
conceptions of right and duty, and help us to noble endeavors; 
that we may leave the world a little better than we found it. 
Profoundly impressed by the sudden and unexpected death of 
one of the Members of this House, we are warned that we- 
must work while it is yet day, for the night cometh when noj 
man can work. God be with the bereaved family; give them: 
that hope and confidence in Thee which will inspire them with 
lofty thoughts and bring them closer to Thee, and finally to. 
that happy reunion beyond this land, where no death enters. 
Hear us in the name of Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Mr. Samuel. Mr. Speaker, it is my sad duty to announce 
the death of my late colleague, Hon. George R. Patterson, a 

5 



6 Memorial Addresses: George Robert Patterson 

Representative from the Twelfth district, who died very sud- 
denly and unexpectedly this morning. I offer the following 
resolutions. 

The Speaker. The Clerk will report the resolutions. 

The Clerk read as follows: 

Resolved, That the House has heard with profound sorrow of the death 
of Hon. George R. Patterson, a Representative from the State of 
Pennsylvania. 

Resolved, That a committee of thirteen Members of the House, with 
such members of the Senate as may be joined, be appointed to attend the 
funeral. 

Resolved, That the Sergeant-at-Arms of the House be authorized and 
directed to take such steps as may be necessary for carrying out the pro- 
visions of these resolutions; and that the necessary expenses in connection 
therewith be paid out of the contingent fund of the House. 

Resolved, That the Clerk communicate these resolutions to the Senate 
and transmit a copy thereof to the family of the deceased. 

The Speaker. The question is on agreeing to the resolutions. 
The question was taken; and the resolutions were unani- 
mously agreed to. 

The Speaker. The Chair appoints the following committee. 
The Clerk read as follows: 

Mr. Samuel, of Pennsylvania; Mr. Barchfeld, of Pennsylvania; Mr. 
Lilley, of Pennsylvania; Mr. Schneebeli, of Pennsylvania; Mr. Butler, of 
Pennsylvania; Mr. Kline, of Pennsylvania; Mr. Loudenslager, of New 
Jersey; Mr. Prince, of Illinois; Mr. Andrews, of New Mexico; Mr. 
Broussard, of Louisiana; Mr. Goulden, of New York; Mr. Patterson, of 
North Carolina; Mr. Aiken, of South Carolina. 

The Speaker. The gentleman from Peimsylvania also offers 

the following resolution. 

The Clerk read as follows: 

Resolved, That as a further mark of respect to the memory of the 
deceased, this House do now adjourn. 

The motion was agreed to; and accordingly (at 12 o'clock 

and 8 minutes p. m. ) the House adjourned to meet to-morrow, 

at 12 o'clock noon. 



I 



Proceedings in the House y 

Tuesday, March 27, igo6. 

The Chaplain, Rev. Henry N. Couden, D. D., offered the 
following prayer: 

Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, who madest us to 
think, to will, to act, to do things, help us to think right, to 
choose right, to do right, that we may thus adjust ourselves 
to the eternal laws which environ us, and as individuals and as 
a nation move on to larger achievements. 

Be graciously near to the Member whose companion has been 
taken by the Angel of Death to a larger life. I^et Thine ever- 
lasting arms be about him to comfort and sustain, and help us 
all to realize that death is not an extinction of being, but an 
epoch, an event, in the grand eternal march of existence, and 
Thine be the praise through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. 

Mr. Samuel. Mr. Speaker, I offer the following order and 
ask unanimous consent for its present consideration. 

The Clerk read as follows: 

Ordered, That Sunday, the 15th day of April, 1906, be set apart for 
addresses on the life, character, and public services of Hon. GEORGE R. 
Patterson, late a Representative from the State of Pennsylvania, said 
services to be held immediately following the services to be held in honor 
of the memory of Hon. Benjamin F. Marsh, Hon. John M. Pinckney, and 
Hon. George A. Castor. 

The Speaker. Is there objection? [After a pause.] The 

Chair hears none. 

The order was agreed to, 

Thursday, April ^, igo6. 

Mr. Adams, of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous 
consent for the present consideration of the following order, 
which I send to the Clerk's desk. 

The Clerk read as follows: 

Ordered, That the order made in the House March 7, 1906, be amended 
so as to read: That a session of the House be held on Sunday, April 22, 



8 Memorial Addresses : George Robert Patterson 

1906, and that the day be set apart for addresses on the life, character, and 
public services of Hon. GEORGE R. PATTERSON, late Representative from 
the State of Pennsylvania. 

The Speaker. Is there objection? 
There was no objection. 
The order was agreed to. 

Sunday, April 22, tqo6. 

The House met at 12 o'clock m., and was called to order 

by Hon. Alexander McDowell, Clerk of the House, who 

directed the reading of the following letter: 

Speaker's Room, 
House of Represent.a.tives, 
Washingto7i, D. C, April 22, igo6. 
I hereby designate Hon. John DalzeIyL,, of Pennsylvania, to act as 
vSpeaker pro tempore this day. 

jr G. Cannon, Speaker. 

Mr. Dalzell accordingly resumed the chair as Speaker pro 
tempore. 

The following prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Rev. 
Henry N. Couden, D. D.: 

Infinite source of life and light and love, we thank Thee 
for that deep and abiding faith which holds us close to Thee 
through all the vicissitudes of life, for the star of hope which 
illumines our path when sorrows and disappointments gather 
thick and fast about us, for the ties of affection which bind 
us together into families and friendships which time nor 
space can sever; and as we gather here to-day in memory of 
those who made for themselves a place in our hearts we thank 
Thee that their characters, their works, their influence remain 
an inspiration to those who knew and loved them. Let the 
everlasting arms be about the dear ones who mourn their 
absence, and comfort them with the blessed hope of a retmion 
in a world where sorrows never come. Hear us, in the name 
of the lyord Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen. 



Proceedings in the Hoitse o 

Mr. Samuei.. Mr. Speaker, I offer the following resolutions. 
The Clerk read as follows: 

Resolved, That the business of the House be now suspended that oppor- 
tunity may be given for tributes to the memory of Hon. George R 
Patterson, late a Member of this House from the State of Pennsylvania. 

Resolved, That as a particular mark of respect to the memory of the 
deceased and in recognition of his distinguished public career the House, 
at the conclusion of these exercises, shall stand adjourned. 

Resolved, That the Clerk communicate these resolutions to the Senate. 

Resolved, That the Clerk send a copy of these resolutions to the family 
of the deceased. 

The question was taken; and the resolutions were unani- 
mously agreed to. 



MEMORIAL ADDRESSES 



Address of Mr. Samuel, of Pennsylvania 

Mr. Speaker : It was my sad duty on the 2 ist day of March, 
1906, to announce to the House the sudden and unexpected 
death of the late George R. Patterson, a distinguished Rep- 
resentative from the Twelfth Congressional district of Pennsyl- 
vania for a number of years, and to state that at another time 
I would ask that another day be set apart for the purpose of a 
proper consideration of his life, character, and valuable public 
services. On March 27, by special order, the 15th day of April 
was set apart for these memorial services. On the 5th day of 
April, on motion of Mr. Adams, of Pennsylvania, this day was 
selected, and we are assembled this afternoon to pay our last 
tribute of respect to one who was one of the most popular and 
energetic Members of this House, who served his constituency 
with signal fidelity and loyalty, and who was greatly loved and 
respected at his home, which was shown by the great concourse 
of people and friends who assembled from near and from far 
to pay their last respects to all that was mortal of their true 
friend and fellow-citizen. 

I shall not undertake to give an extended review of his career 
at this time, but will print the same in the Record, as part of 
my remarks. 

George Robert Patterson, Republican, of Ashland, was 
born in Lewistown, MifSin County, Pa., November 9, 1863; 
attended the public schools and the academy at that place; had 
been engaged in mercantile pursuits since leaving school, in 1880, 
most of the time as a traveling salesman, first in the hardware 

II 



12 Memorial Addresses: George Robert Patterson 

business and for the last twelve years in flour and feed; at 
death was agent for a Minneapolis mill, covering territory in 
central Pennsylvania; lived at Ashland since March, 1886; 
was always a Republican, and took an active part in the 
politics of the district for a number of years, having fre- 
quently been a delegate to local and State conventions, and 
delegate to the national Republican convention at Chicago, 
June, 1904; was elected to the Fifty-seventh and Fifty-eighth 
Congresses, and reelected to the Fifty-ninth Congress, receiving 
17,419 votes, to 12,005 for H. O. Haag, Democrat, 239 for 
W. H. Zweizig, Prohibitionist, and 679 for M. E. Doyle, Soci- 
alist, a plurality of 5,414, the largest ever given to any candi- 
date for any office on any ticket in this district. 

Mr. Patterson's mother has been a resident of Washington 
for several years. His father, who was a Presbyterian minister 
of honorable Revolutionary ancestry, has been dead for some 
years. He had no brothers nor sisters. 

His immediate family consists of his widow, who was Mary, 
daughter of James R. Cleaver, of Ashland, one of the pioneer 
coal operators of this region, and one son and one daughter, 
Granville and Esther, who are about 12 and 7 years of age, 
respectively. 

Mr. Patterson was a charter member of Ashland Lodge, 
No. 384, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and was 
also a member of Sheridan Council, No. 1 128, Royal Arcanum; 
of Wa.shington Camp, No. 84, Patriotic Order Sons of America, 
and of Shenandoah Aerie, No. 129, Fraternal Order of Eagles. 
On Tuesday, March 20, 1906, Mr. Patterson reached Wash- 
ington shortly after 9 o'clock, from his home at Ashland, Pa., 
and went direct to his mother's home at No. 1 745 Q street NW. , 
where he met his private secretary, Burd W. Payne. They 
spent a couple of hours going over the mail and talking on bu.si- 
ness matters, after which Mr. Payne went home and Mr. Pat- 



Address of Mr. Samuel.^ of Pennsylvania 13 

TERSON retired about midnight. He had not complained of 
feeling unwell beyond being tired after his long ride from Ash- 
land. About 5 o'clock in the morning his mother heard him 
moving around, and, going to his room, she found him taking a 
dose of medicine, he saying that he was not feeling very well. 
She lingered with him for a few moments and then returned to 
her room again. About half an hour later she heard him moan- 
ing, and she again hurried to his room and found him still in 
bed and bleeding profusely from the nose. Recognizing that 
he was seriously ill, she summoned help and a physician was 
called, but his services were of no avail, as Mr. Patterson 
expired in a few moments. 

The funeral of the late George R. Patterson, Member of 
Congress from the Twelfth District of Pennsylvania, was marked 
by a great outpouring of people, not only from his home town, 
but all parts of the county and many sections of the State and 
nation, and was a fitting tribute to the respect and esteem in 
which the deceased was held. People from every walk of life 
turned out to pay their last sad tribute of respect to the dead, 
and long before the hour for the services began to gather at 
the family home. The remains, which had been prepared for 
interment at Washington, D. C, where he died, reclined in a 
handsome broadcloth-covered casket with silver-barred handles, 
which was covered with a wealth of beautiful flowers, and on 
which was a heavy plate which bore the simple inscription: 

George Robert Patterson. 

November 9, 1863. 

March 21, 1906. 

The services, which were conducted at the house No. 119 
Center street, began at 1.30 o'clock and were very brief and 
simple in their character. Rev. Francis S. Hort, the pastor of 
the Presbyterian Church at South Bethlehem, Pa., and formerly 
of Ashland, was the officiating minister, and the .services con- 



14 Memorial Addresses : George Robert Patterson 

sisted of prayer, an appropriate scriptural reading, and a short 
discourse. The only music was a simple hymn, entitled ' ' Some 
Sweet Day " by Towne, which was sung very beautifully and 
sympathetically by Mrs. Robert D. Heaton and Miss Ida Price, 
of the Presbyterian Church choir. In his discourse Reverend 
Hort drew a strong moral lesson from the mysteries of death and 
found much consoling thought for the sorrowing family. He 
also paid tribute to the memory of the deceased, and throughout 
the discourse was full of rich, soulful thought and taught the 
lesson of preparation for the life to come. Many wept silently 
during the sad service. 

The floral decorations were most beautiful and profuse, and 
included offerings from Shenandoah Aerie, No. 103, Fraternal 
Order of Eagles; Ashland Lodge, No. 384, Benevolent and Pro- 
tective Order of Elks; Lewistown Eodge, No. 663, Benevolent 
and Protective Order of Elks; Mr. and Mrs. D. M. Graham, 
Mahanoy City; Paul W. Houck, Shenandoah; J. B. Howell, 
Girardville; Mrs. Harry Freeman Clark, Mrs. Emma C. Clark, 
Harry Ellis, William Pedlow, Crawford Bennie, Captain and 
Mrs, Foote, Mrs. Mitchell and Mrs. Tyson, Washington, D. C; 
James A. McCarthy, Locust Gap; Hon. Wayne Parker, New 
Jersey; Miss Mary C. Weir, Wilkes-Barre; William Renn, Wil- 
liam Egbert, Eewistown, Pa. ; Burd Einder, Orwigsburg; S. Burd 
Edwards, Pottsville; Mr. and Mrs. Harry Hunter, Mr. and Mrs. 
William S. Leib, William Berrang, A.shland, and many others. 
The floral offerings from the family and from the pallbearers 
were also profuse and beautiful. 

Other floral tributes that came later were from ' ' His Tama- 
qua Friends;" Miss Annie Eckert, Eewistowu, and O. Blanch- 
ard, Washington, D. C. 

The Congressional party also brought with them several beau- 
tiful floral tributes, the whole constituting the most elaborate 
floral display ever seen in Ashland. 



Address of Mr. Samuel, of Pennsylvania 15 

The committee appointed by Congress to attend the obse- 
quies embraced some of the most prominent men in pubHc life, 
inchiding Senators Philander C. Knox, of Pittsburg, Pa.; 
Boies Penrose, Philadelphia, Pa.; J. Frank Allee, Dover, Del.; 
Nathan B. Scott, Wheehng, W. Va.; Augustus O. Bacon, 
Macon, Ga.; Fred T. Dubois, Blackfoot, Idaho; and the 
following Members of the House of Representatives, colleagues 
of Mr. Patterson: Dr. Edmund W. Samuel, Mount Carmel, 
Pa.; Andrew J. Barchfeld, Pittsburg, Pa.; Mial E. Ulley, 
Towanda, Pa.; GustavA. Schneebeh, Nazareth, Pa.; Thomas S. 
Butler, West Chester, Pa.; Marcus C. E. Kline, Allentown, Pa.; 
Henry C. Eoudenslager, Paulsboro, N. J.; David J. Foster, 
Burlington, Vt. ; Robert F. Broussard, New Iberia, Ea.; 
George W. Prince, Galesburg, 111.; Joseph A. Goulden, Ford- 
ham, N. Y.; Wyatt Aiken, Abbeville, S. C; and Gilbert B. 
Patterson, Maxton, N. C. 

The party came from Washington on a special train over the 
Pennsylvania Railroad to Pottsville, where they were trans- 
ferred to the Reading, reaching Ashland at 12.06 o'clock. 
They took dinner on the train, and afterwards proceeded to the 
house, but did not go to the cemetery, which is a rule on such 
occasions, so that their stay in Ashland was a brief one. 
The only Senator to arrive was Senator Boies Penrose. 
Of the Congressional party, Sylvester C. Smith, of Bakers- 
field, Cal., was substituted for Butler, of West Chester; W. H, 
Andrews, of Albuquerque, N. Mex.; J. C. Needham, of Mo- 
desto, Cal., substituted for Aiken, of South Carolina. 

Ex-Congressman C. H. Dickerman, of Milton, and Dr. H. R. 
Burton, of Lewes, Del., were with the party, as were also J. B. 
Roberts, of Sioux Falls, S. Dak., clerk for the Senate Commit- 
tee on Pensions; Ralph Paxton, of Medicine Lodge, Kans., clerk 
for the Senate Committee on the Census; Frank H. Barto, clerk 
for the House Committee on Pensions, of which Mr. Patterson 



1 6 Memorial Addresses : George Robert Patterson 

was a member; J. S. Rogers, of Philadelphia, clerk in the file 
department; and Frank Samuel, of Mount Carmel, private sec- 
retary to his father, Congressman E. W. Samuel. 

The party was in charge of Sergeant-at-Arms of the House, 
Henry Casson, of Wisconsin, and his assistants, J. F. English, 
of California, and C. E. Morley, of Wisconsin. 

The Twelfth Congressional district of Pennsylvania had no 
more popular and respected citizen than George R. Patterson. 
His long residence there had made him known to all the peo- 
ple. He was the kind of a man whom people liked. His good 
nature was spontaneous and always put those about him in good 
humor. He was ever bright and cheerful, and gloom never 
had a part in his composition. He always had a good story and 
he knew how to tell it. And he was always a gentleman, ever 
courteous and agreeable. Kindness was one of his most marked 
traits. It was never too much trouble for him to do a favor 
for a friend, and no one will ever know of his innumerable acts 
of kindness, both in his political and private life. Wherever 
he was he was the life of the party. His goodness of heart and 
mind fully covered any fault, if there was any fault in him. 
George R. Patterson was a clean man. There was no blot 
or stain on his character, private or public. And now he is 
dead, cut down in the heydey of his usefulness. 

Close the book; the .story of a life is ended. It is only to 
remember. 

The body of George Robert Patterson now lies peace- 
fully at rest beneath the sod of a .sun-kissed slope, clothed, as it 
is to-day, in a mantle of glistening white laid by nature, and 
which reflects the purity of that beautiful city whose gates of 
pearl have opened wide to bid him welcome home, and where 
St. Paul tells US- 
It doth not yet appear what we .shall be: but we know that, when he 
shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 



Address of Mr. Samuel^ of Pennsylvania 17 

George Robert Patterson has solved the mystery of the 
future. We must wait to know what that means through our 
own experience. But such is the destiny of our departed 
friend, and it is ground for rejoicing amid our sorrow to-day. 
That he made errors is possible, for who indeed is exempt 
from that frailty? But if he did, he was like all the rest of his 
fellowmen. He had, however, strong virtues of head and 
heart. Strong convictions of principle and duty were conspic- 
uous in his life. He never claimed perfection, but time, in 
sculpturing his character, produced one which merits a high 
meed of praise. It is only after men pass to "that bourne 
from whence no traveler returns" that a dispassionate, broad 
view is taken of their life and career. It is a great pleasure 
to-day to hear the candid and sincere praise bestowed upon our 
departed friend, even by those who sometimes difEered with 
his judgment and convictions. He always fought a fair fight 
in the battle of life. It is not a difficult task to speak of him 
on this occasion, but he deserves a better eulogium than the 
writer is able to pronounce. We can comfort ourselves, how- 
ever, with the fact that his life and character speak forcefully 
and eloquently for him. Death has made more vivid that 
which we felt was strong and symmetrical in him. It throws 
sunlight in among the shadows, so that we now appreciate him 
the more thoroughly. 

His death falls with the heaviest severity upon his widow 
and two children. To them can only come now the memory 
of his devotion, his affection, his duty as a husband and a 
father, which must ever live as a sweet and never-dying fra- 
grance. May this memory mitigate their grief and bring com- 
fort to their hearts, now borne down by a great weight of 
sorrow. 

H. Doc. S04, 59-2 2 



1 8 Memorial Addresses : George Robert Patterson 



Address of Mr. Kline, of Pennsylvania 

Mr. Speaker: I had not designed to take any part in these 
proceedings, but upon reflection I have thought that by reason 
of the contiguity of the respective districts represented by the 
deceased and myself it was due to the memory of the gentleman 
who has so recently' and unexpectedly died that I should make 
a few observations. 

I had no acquaintance with GEORGE R. Patterson, who 
formerly represented the Twelfth Congressional district of 
Pennsylvania, known as the "Schuylkill district," until a con- 
siderable period after my election to the Fifty-eighth Congress. 
The intercourse I had with him from and after my first intro- 
duction in Congress and outside of these walls was of a most 
agreeable and delightful character. In coming to and return- 
ing from Washington I frequently met him on the train, and 
found him to be a frank, hospitable, happy, and open-hearted 
gentleman. I found him to be a good companion, genial, and 
of high and fascinating social qualities. 

His sudden and unexpected demise was a surprise and shock 
to every Member of this House, and the great esteem in which 
he was held was evidenced by an adjournment immediately 
after the reading of the Journal and announcement of his death. 
To know him was to love him. 

Chosen to fill the honorable public position as a Representa- 
tive in Congress for three consecuti\'e terms, which he held at 
the time of his decease, he continued to discharge the obliga- 
tions imposed with firmne.ss and fidelity to the last, ever enjoj-- 
iug the confidence, esteem, and affection of his constituency. 



Address of Mr. Kline^ of Pennsylrania 19 

He represented a district in the heart of the anthracite coal 
region. His constituency represented numerous nationalities, 
engaged in numerous and diversified kinds of trade, occupation, 
and business, and by reason thereof the political sentiment of 
his people had been for many years of a fluctuating character. 
Whilst a large majoritj' of the county officers in his district, 
including the judges of the several courts, are now and have 
been filled by men of Democratic faith, the popularity and 
esteem of the deceased was so great and manifest that he was 
for three consecutive terms elected over his Democratic com- 
petitors by increasing majorities. 

His death was mourned by a large circle of friends, as was 
evidenced by the large number in attendance at his funeral, 
coming from all stations in life and from all parts of his dis- 
trict, in friendship's tribute to the memory' of their deceavSed 
friend, neighbor, and Representative. Had you been in attend- 
ance at his funeral, in his home towai of Ashland, in a mining 
locality, and witnessed the throng of thousands of his friends, 
neighbors, and those bound by fraternal union, who came from 
far and near to pay the last mark of respect to their deceased 
Representative; had you observed the profound impression 
which the recollection of his life and many good traits and 
virtues left upon an entire community, you would have con- 
cluded that there was something to live for beyond the attain- 
ment of political position. You would have realized that it is. 
not all of life to live, nor all of death to die. 

The deceased was engaged in business before his entrance in 
public life and election to Congress. He did not make any 
pretense of oratory, leadership, or statesmanship. He was 
faithful and diligent in committee work, conscientious and 
active in the performance of the work assigned to him. He 



20 Memorial Addresses : George Robert Patterson 

was always ready to help a friend or colleague if it was right 
and consistent and the request was just and reasonable. He 
would never consent to become compromised or commit an 
act of which he couldn't approve at the time or ratify in the 
future. Neither the railings of a partisan press nor the taunts 
of political opponents could swerve or deter him from the per- 
formance of such official duty as conscience told him he ought 
to do, nor could such influences compel him to the performance 
of what conscience taught him ought not to be done. He was 
a man of most kind and generous impulses, firmly and warmly 
attached to his family, friends, and acquaintances; he was not 
vindictive, and these qualities combined to render him a most 
faithful Representative. 

It is true, as was said by a gentleman on the floor of this 
House a few days ago, that "experience teaches us that the 
most effective work is done, not upon the floor of the House by 
the perpetual talkers, but by the quiet, active, and earnest 
Members who attend strictly to their committee work and give 
their thought and time to such legislation as properly comes 
before the committees to which they are assigned." Such a 
member was the deceased. He was not a perpetual talker in 
the House, but did his most effective work in the committee 
room and in attending faithfully and promptly to the demands 
and requests of his constituents. In this manner he gained his 
popularity among the membership of the House. 

Now, Mr. Speaker, it has frequently, through the later series 
of years, occurred to my mind that the man who is acknowl- 
edged by the community in which he lives to be an upright, 
conscientious, liberal, and honest man, enjoys the best reputa- 
tion that a man can have. A man who has qualifications and 
ability may connect himself with public life; he may come into 



Address of Mr. Kline, of Pennsylvania 21 

your legislative halls and establish a reputation as an orator or 
a statesman; he may pursue some literary calling; he may win 
a reputation that is coextensive with the world; but after all, 
when you come to form your estimate of the man, you must rely 
upon the character that he has established about his own thresh- 
old, at his own hearth, in his own family, and among his own 
neighbors. There is the standard by which we must measure a 
man after all is said and done. That is the corner stone of 
his building; that is the groundwork of his fame, let it be what 
it may, and no fame is worth having that is not based upon a 
reputation for social and moral virtues in the community where 
it is the man's destiny to live and perhaps his destiny to die. 
In his home, in his own community, among his neighbors and 
friends, George R. Patterson acquired and enjoyed his first 
fame and great popularity. There the foundations were laid 
for his entrance into public life, where he equally acquired and 
enjoyed the confidence and good will of all who knew him. He 
was strong and robust, active, busy, and energetic in life, but, 
like all who have preceded him, he, too, was mortal. 

We w^ho survive the deceased and who for a brief hour con- 
tinue to strut upon this our public stage find it hard to stop and 
think, to realize that we, too, are mortal, and that our hearts — 

L,ike muffled drums, are beating 
Funeral marclies to the grave. 

It is but a bubble we are blowing. No matter how largely 
we swell in our conceit, how magnificent we expand our pro- 
portions, the bubble will finally burst for us, as it has done in 
the case of our illustrious predecessors, and we shall return to 
the obscurity from which we came, unhonored and unsung. 
And even if we succeed in securing public attention for more 
than one or two or three or more terms of our Congressional 



22 Memorial Addresses: George Robert Patterson 

life, by a most persistent effort or efforts in blowing our bubble, 

others will soon crowd us off the scene of action and strut their 

brief hour of fancied greatness and renown. 

This is the state of man : to-day he puts forth 
The tender leaves of hope ; to-morrow blossoms, 
And bears his blushing honors thick upon him ; 
The third day comes a frost, a killing frost, 
And when he thinks, good easy man, full surely 
His greatness is a-ripening, nips his root. 

My object has been accomplished if I have succeeded in ar- 
resting the attention of my fellow- Members by this brief con- 
templation of the life and death of our late friend and colleague. 
lyet us emulate his good quahties and realize that it is not all 
of Hfe to reach public station, nor all of duty to distinguish 
oneself in the fitful notoriety of the passing hour. 



Address of Air. Hogg^ of Colorado 23 



Address of Mr. Hogg, of Colorado 

Mr. Speaker: Our friend and colleague, George Patter- 
son, has passed out of the shadows. Suddenly he stepped 
aside, and we know him no more forever. 

Had our will been done he would have eased his burden 
down with feeble, trembling hands, and his last steps would 
have been taken falteringly. We would have given him the 
serenity and peace of old age at the end. It is so we judge 
of things. 

He came from the field at noontime, and did not return to 
his task. The plow was left in the furrow when the darkness 
came. 

I have seen the aged die, and it seemed well, for they were 
tired and worn; their day had been long and wearisome; they 
had wrought much and well, and the night and rest became 
the benediction of an infinite goodness. 

With our friend it was otherwise, and he left his work 
unfinished, as we would measure it. 

I had not known him long, but I knew him well, all that 
was worth knowing — the soul of him — and admired him much. 
Our view of him was not obscured, for it was a pleasing 
landscape, with the sunshine resting on it. 

His nature was so open, generous, and manly that we 
instinctively gave him our tribute of sincerest friendship. 

We shall strike no balance of his life, for friendship strikes 
no balances and carries no account against the dead. 

Honest, just, and generous, with a great heart overflowing 
with warm human sympathy, George Patterson left the 
onlv fortune worth while, the memory of his kindliness. And 



24 Memorial Addresses: George Robert Patterson 

so "it is well with the lad. " It is not for lis to speculate 
about that unknown country to which he has journeyed, for 
no word has ever come to the anxious, eager ears of hope 
and love. If it is well that there be a far country, it is — 
if not, it is still well. Resting in the security of infinite 
wisdom, we shall be content. Our friend has gone his way 
alone, as we must all go, and there was no fear. To him we 
might have said with Aurelius: "Thou hast embarked, thou 
hast finished thy voyage, thou art come to shore. Get out." 

Rest to his generous, lovable, manly soul. "The eternal 
years of God are his. " 

Mr. vSpeaker, he was my friend; I loved him; I would that 
he might come back from the land of silence. 



Address of Mr. Dale, of Pennsylvania 25 



Address of Mr* Dale» of Pennsylvania 

Mr. Speaker: The birthplace of George Robert Patter- 
son was Lewistown, Mifflin County, Pa. Born and reared amid 
the rugged and beautiful hills of Pennsylvania, the love for 
these hills was dominant and controlling throughout his Hfe. 
I am inclined to believe that no person thus born and reared 
can ever forget these hills. No matter where he roams, no 
matter where necessity or duty places him, the call to the hills 
will ever and always follow him. The love for his native hills 
seems to enter into the very web and woof of his being. It is 
resistless; it is compelhng; he can not get away from it; he can 
not dismiss it. Sometimes I think Samuel Francis Smith must 
have known and loved the wooded hills of Pennsylvania when 
he penned the words: 

I love thy rocks and rills. 
Thy woods and templed hills. 

I know how intensely George R. Patterson longed for 
these hills; and so it is eminently fitting and altogether proper 
that all that is earthly of our honored friend should find its 
final resting place in the beautiful cemetery at Ashland, under 
the shadow of the mighty hills he .so much loved. 

Mr. Speaker, I understand that to other speakers has been 
assigned the privilege of reviewing in detail the life and work 
of George R. Patterson, but I can not let this occa.sion pass 
without noting one of his marked characteristics. I refer to 
his kindly spirit and gentle courtesy to the new Member. I 
remember when I came here he was one of the first to greet me 
and to offer his services to aid and help me. Over and over 
again his time, his wise coun.sel, and the benefit of his large 



26 Memorial Addresses : George Robert Patter so Ji 

experience have been freely and cheerfully given to myself and 

to other new Members. For his friends, no task was too heavy 

for him to attempt, no work too onerous for him to perform, no 

favor too great for his generous heart to grant. Surely his 

unselfish devotion to others, his ready willingness to sacrifice 

his own time and his own pleasure in the interest of others, 

entitled him to wear the princely motto, " Ich dien " — "I 

serve." 

Mr. Speaker, directly in front of m}' place in this House there 

is a vacant seat. George R. Patterson has departed; his 

labors have ceased; his work has ended. 

The body may lie in tnoldering chancel or in crumbling vault, but the 
rumor of a noble life, the record of valor and truth, can never die, but 
lives on in the soul of the people. 

An English author recently wrote these words: 

The years pass, the old wheel turns, and ever the thread runs out. The 
wise and the good, the noble and tne brave, they come from the darkness 
and into the darkness they go, whence, whither, and why who can say? 

It appears to me the sentiment thus expressed is altogether 
too pessimistic. I boldly a.ssert in our day and time it is more 
and more true that ever through the darkness breaks a ray 
of light, bringing hope and confidence that in the end "there 
shall be no more darkness." 

That hope-giving light streams through the riven door of 
the new-made sepulcher of Joseph of Arimathea and rests upon 
the head of Him whose resurrection brought cheer and hope 
and life to hopeless humanity. "Though he were dead, yet 
shall he live. ' ' 



Address of Mr. Lafean^ of PennsyLvania 27 



Address of Mr. Lafean, of Pennsylvania 

Mr. Speaker: The decease of George R. Patterson has 
occasioned a loss keenly felt by his constituents and by his 
colleagues on both sides of the House. That he was popular 
and beloved by the former is evident from the loyal support 
which he received at their hands. He was elected three 
times as a Member of Congress from the Twelfth Pennsyl- 
vania district, each succeeding time receiving a larger majority. 
This increased popularity can be easih' understood when we 
take into consideration the character of our deceased colleague. 

He carried sunshine with him wherever he went and always 
had a good word for everybody. His genial disposition made 
him popular at home and in Washington, particularly among 
the Members of the House. At the time of his death he was 
one of the dominant forces of the Pennsylvania delegation. 

To know him intimately as I knew him was a privilege 
which I shall always treasure. I had the pleasure of personal 
acquaintance with Mr. Patterson, and only those who had 
this privilege could know the strength and depth of his 
character. Association with him was a pleasure, not only 
because of the brilliancy of his wit and statesmanship, but 
for the mellowing and gladdening influence of his kindly 

geniality. 

One of the first to greet me and make me feel at home when I 
became a member of this body was Mr. Patterson. From our 
first meeting until our last, which was but a few hours before 
liis sad death, I came in clo.se and frequent contact with him. 
I found him always ready to kindly direct a new Member and 



28 Memorial Addresses : George Robert Patterson 

render old ones support. Nothing was too much trouble for 
him. He would even sacrifice his own time or deprive him.self 
of pleasure in order that he might serve another Member of 
the House. 

During the latter part of last fall I invited Mr. Patterson 
to meet me at Gettysburg for the purpose of going over several 
tracts of land owned by the Gettysburg Springs and Hotel Com- 
pany, which the Gettysburg Battlefield Commission was desirous 
of purchasing. Notwithstanding the fact that he was exceed- 
ingly busy shaping up his private business affairs in order that 
he might assume the more active of his Congressional duties, 
and that his time was more than occupied in his endeavor to 
retain a friend in office whose removal was urged by others, 
he kindly came and spent two days in going over that famous 
field, in order that he might assist in bringing the matter of 
the purchase of this propert}^ intelligently before the House 
Committee on Military Affairs, of which he was a member. 
Self-sacrifice such as this is what has endeared Mr. Patter- 
son not only to his constituents, but to his many friends and 
colleagues. 

At 5 o'clock of the evening preceding the morning of his 
death I met Mr. Patterson in Broad street station. Philadel- 
phia. At the time he informed me that he had just returned 
from his home and was on his way to Washington in response 
to a call from the Speaker ( whip) to be present at the next 
day's session. He seemed to be in the best of spirits and 
health— joking as we walked down the platform together, he 
to take the train to Washington and I the train for my home. 
As we parted he said, ' ' Will see you in the morning. ' ' When 
I reached Washington the following morning I was shocked 
when informed of his sad death. 



Address of Mr. Lafean, of Pennsylvania 29 

While a Republican, and a stanch one, Mr. PATTERSON was 
by no means a bitter partisan. His first thought was for his 
constituency and the welfare of the country. On all public 
questions he took lofty grounds and was liberal in his views. 

I could go on extolling his good qualities, but in my opinion 
they can be summed up in a few words : He was a man and a 
friend. 



30 Memorial Addresses: George Robert Patterson 



Address of Mr. Schneebeli, of Pennsylvania 

Mr. Speaker: I want to say a few words of tribute to our 
departed friend. My acquaintance with him was necessarily 
short, as I am a new Member, but when I learned to know him 
better I learned to love him. He was one of nature's noble- 
men — true and loyal to his friends, generous to his political 
foes — others he had none. 

We mourn in silent sorrow when we consider that he was 
taken from us in the prime of life and useful manhood. We 
shall miss his genial presence, his kindly greeting, his friendly 
advice; ever ready to lend a helping hand connected with 
mature judgment. 

In this greatest of political bodies of this country, of which 
he was an honored member, the individual learns to realize the 
true worth of his associate and colleague and to appreciate his 
help accordingly. 

His dear family has reason to be proud of his achievements 
in Congress, and his name will be handed down to his posterity 
enshrined in honor. Yet, aside from all the glamour of tempo- 
rary greatness, we revere the memory of George Patterson 
as a man whom we admired, respected, and loved. 

I am glad to have known him, and thankful that I was per- 
mitted to pay him the last tribute of respect in conveying his 
remains to their final resting place. 

May he rest in peace. 



Address of Mr. Aiken, of South Carolina 31 



Address of Mr. Aiken, of South Carolina 

' Mr. Speaker: I desire to add a word to the splendid trib- 
utes that have been paid to the memory of the late Hon. 
George Robert Patterson, whose death brought sorrow to 
his colleagues here and to the thousands who mourn his loss at 

home. 

The spirit prompting me is not that of one who, in recount- 
ing the deeds of great men, is flattered by the reflected halo of 
their recital. I am no Boswell nor was the deceased a Johnson. 
My humble tribute is a simple response to that geniality and 
sincerity of heart, so marked in the deceased, which, unham- 
pered by formalism, went direct to the hearts of his associates. 
It is of this one phase of his character that I desire to speak. 

There are triumphs of eloquence and triumphs of organiza- 
tion, but that which elected our friend a Member of this body 
was the triumph of a warm and genial heart, coupled with that 
strong common sense and insight into human nature which 
traveling salesmen possess perhaps more than all other men. 
These, too, were the qualities which made him one of the most 
watchful and useful Members of the House. 

However much some may discount membership in this body, 
it is a distinction, and may I add, without egotism, that its 
attainment is strong presumptive evidence of ability, possibly 
• latent, but no less certain. It is a distinction that many of the 
ablest lawyers throughout this land have thought it not improper 
to strive for. Disguise it as some may, the confidence of a 
majority of your home people in electing you to a position of 
such responsibility could find lack of appreciation only in an 
ungrateful heart. 



32 Memorial Addresses: George Robert Patterson 

The deceased came not from the ranks of the professional 
■class, so overwhelmingly represented in Congress, but he came 
from the people, elevated from amongst them, with the glow 
of popular demands fresh upon his mind and with a sympathy 
of interest that the formalism of professional life would almost 
make impossible. In this day of action rather than words, 
even in the American Congress, his usefulness may not be 
discounted by the most profound constitutional lawyer of this 
body. Legislation is as much the result of the hand touch of 
the committee as the hair splitting of the forum. 

We recognize the general proposition that education gives 
its possessor an advantage over illiteracy, and professional 
education tends to emphasize that advantage. But he who, 
with a simple English education, in a body largely dominated 
by professional men, can set at naught legal quibblings and 
fully maintain the rights of his constituents must possess 
those qualities of mind less lustrous, but no less valuable in 
the attainment of results, than polished oratory. Such were 
the qualities of mind and heart with which our friend was 
endowed. Genial always, he was aggressive, yet unobtrusive; 
quiet, yet ever alert and untiring in the discharge of his duty 
to his constituents; a strict party man in .so far as that obliga- 
tion bound in reason, yet tolerant and reasonable in his deal- 
ings with the opposition. 

Hailing from widely divergent sections of the United States, 
representing interests that have little similarity, with an 
acquaintance of only a few years, there was no tie. save such 
as the Creator had implanted in that generous heart, to bring 
me within the number of those who sorrow for his "taking 
away." "In the world's broad field of battle," these influ- 
ences linked to him, here and there, the fellowship and sym- 
pathy of his associates, and though in "crossing the bar" 



Address of Mr. Aiken, of South Carolina t^^) 

into the great unknown ocean his temporal Hfe fades from our 
view, we follow him with those feelings which can not die. 

The brevit}' and uncertainty of life is strikingly illustrated 
in the passing away of this young man who seemed to be in 
the springtime of his career. Little more than two years ago 
he was one of the party which bore the remains of the late 
Hon. George \\\ Croft to his nati\-e State (South Carolina), to 
place them amongst those who sleep. While the memory of 
this event is as of yesterday, the summons comes again; pas.s- 
ing over those who have long heard the breakers on a not 
distant shore, it knocked at the heart of our young friend, and 
it was still. Perhaps it is best that we do not know when we 
stand near the shadow. 

In the vigor of young manhood, unbroken by the weight of 
years, he laid down life in its flower. If the contention of 
the psychologist is true, that thought is not even suspended 
in passing from this to the higher life, may we not hope that 
beyond the dividing line this life, pruned of earthly hindrances 
and transplanted in a more congenial soil, may go on in the 
enlarged exercise of those virtues that characterized it here? 
H. Uoc. 804, 59-2 3 



34 Memorial Addresses: George Robert Patterson 



Address of Mr. Goulden, of New York 

Mr. Speaker: In the fourth volume of his War and Peace 
Tolstoy likens life to an immense living globe, the surface of 
which is covered with drops closely crowded together, con- 
stantly pushing and pressing against each other, some expand- 
ing, others fusing or coalescing. In the center of the globe is 
God, and ever and anon, as some of the.se drops are crushed 
out of existence, their substance sinks back into the depths, 
while others expand to enormous size before being undermined 
or annihilated. Although not calculated to create any false 
impressions or charm us In- the ideality of its conception, yet it 
is a very striking picture of mankind. 

Its truth is brought very forcibly to mind when we consider 
the life and services of INIr. George Robert Patterson, who 
has represented his district in three succe.s.sive Congresses. A 
Pennsylvanian 1)y birth, he was thoroughly American in educa- 
tion and training, a product of that school system which is so 
distinctive a mark of our civilization. If in these davs it be 
a reproach to be rich, then he was free from taint, for the 
worldly goods he possessed were obtained by hard work, by a 
strict attention to duty, and l)y honesty and fair dealing. He 
was a typical American l)u.siness man, and was a valiant .soldier 
in the ranks of that army which has won such creditable 
victories for American jn'osperity. 

That he was respected by his friends and neighbors is at- 
tested by their .selection of him to represent them in party coun- 
cils and the nation's legi.slative halls: and as it is safe to say 
that the most reliable testimony to any man's worth is that of 
the people who live closest to him, then he needs no greater 



Address of Mr. Gouldcji., of Nczu York 35 

eulogy than the record of his three successive elections to 
Congress, the last by the greatest majority ever given to a 
candidate for any office in the district. 

x\s he was onlj- 43 at his death, he had reached l)ut the prime 
of life. He had arrived at the stage when his knowledge and 
experience would have been of the greatest good to his constitu- 
ents and fellow-citizens. He had been long enough in Con- 
gress to have thoroughly mastered its traditions, its intricate 
machinery, and its possibilities, and was therefore in a fair way 
to become one of its leaders and a credit to his State and the 
nation. 

He was constantly growing in power and influence, but he 
did not exercise it in the Machiavellian fashion, which is char- 
acteristic of much of our part}' politics, but used it in the simple, 
old-fashioned, American way which endeared so many of our 
elder statesmen to the hearts of their followers. He was indeed 
like a drop on Tolstoy's globe, expanding into noble propor- 
tions, becoming a beautiful sight to all beholders. But death 
came to undermine him, and in a twinkling he was crushed out 
to sink back into the bosom of his ]\Iaker. 

It is always unwi.se to push an analogy too far, and we can 
not therefore pursue the fatalism of the great Rus.sian to its 
bitter end; although it would be wrong to close our eyes to the 
fact that in the reality of lite there are no gaps, and our places 
are soon filled. Perhaps this is the sternest le.s.son which the 
philosophy of history has to teach us. But, in reviewing the 
career of our late C(jlleague, we find that his passing does 
leave an aching void; at one stroke a .son, a husl)and, and a 
father has been cut down, and a .stanch friend and ally has been 
taken from his coworkers and constituents; but as he will be 
enshrined in the hearts and memory of all who knew him, he 
will thus, in all truth, continue to fill his own place. 



36 Memorial Addresses : George Robert Patterson 

And to the members of his bereaved family, consolation should 
be contained in those words of Landor, " He whom God smiteth 
hath God with him." 

It was my privilege to join with his late associates in attend- 
ing his funeral at his home in Ashland, Pa. The appropriate 
services, simple but impressive in character, were typical of the 
life of the late George Robert Patterson. The immense 
throng of sad faces that had gathered, with the closed places of 
business, all bore testimony to the esteem and regard in which 
he was held. 

The Speaker pro tempore. Pursuant to the resolution al- 
ready adopted, the House stands adjourned until to-morrow at 
12 o'clock. 

Accordingl}' (at i o'clock and 35 minutes p. m. ) the House 
adiourned. 



PROCEEDINGS IN THE SENATE 

Wednesday, March 21, igo6. 

DEATH OF REPRESENTATIVE GEORGE R. PATTERSON. 

A message from the House of Representatives, by Mr. W. J. 
Browning, its Chief Clerk, conimnnicated to the vSenate the in- 
telHgence of the death of Hon. George R. Patterson, late a 
Representative from the State of Penn.sylvania, and transmitted 
resolutions of the House thereon. 

The message also aiuiounced that the Speaker of the House 
had appointed Mr. Samuel, Mr. Barchfeld, Mr. Lilley, Mr. 
Schneebeli, Mr. Butler, and Mr. Kline, of Penn.sylvania ; Mr. 
Loudenslager, of New Jersey ; Mr. Prince, of Illinois; Mr. 
Foster, of Vermont ; Mr. Andrews, of New Mexico ; Mr. Brous- 
.sard, of Louisiana; Mr. Goulden, of New York; Mr. Patter- 
.sou, of North Carolina, and Mr. Aiken, of South Carolina, mem- 
bers of the committee on the part of the House to attend the 
funeral. 

The Vice-President. The Chair lays before the Senate 
resolutions from the House of Representatives, which will be 
read. 

The Secretary read the resolutions, as follows : 

In the House of Representatives, 

jMarch 21 , igo6. 
Resolved, That the House has heard with profound sorrow of the death 
of Hon. George R. Patterson, a Representative from the State of 
Pennsylvania. 

37 



38 Memorial Addresses: George Robert Patterson 

Resolved, That a committee of thirteen Members of the House, with 
such Members of the Senate as may be joined, be appointed to attend the 
funeral. 

Resolved, That the Sargeant-at-Arms of the House be authorized and 
directed to take such steps as may be necessary for carrying out the pro- 
visions of these resohxtions, and that the necessary expenses in connection 
therewith be paid out of the contingent fund of the House. 

Resolved, That the Clerk communicate these resolutions to the vSenate, 
and transmit a copy thereof to the family of the deceased. 

Mr. Penrose. Mr. President, I present the resolutions which 
I send to the desk, and I ask unanimous consent for their im- 
mediate consideration. 

The Vice-President. The resolutions submitted by the 
Senator from Pennsylvania will be read. 

The Secretary read the resolutions, as follows : 

Resolved, That the Senate has heard with profound sorrow the an- 
nouncement of the death of Hon. George R. Patterson, late a Repre- 
sentative from the State of Pennsylvania. 

Resolved, That a committee of six Senators be appointed by the Vice- 
President to join a committee appointed on the part of the House of Rep- 
resentatives to take order for superintending the funeral of the deceased. 

Resolved, That the Senate communicate these resolutions to the House 
of Representatives. 

The resolutions were considered by unanimous consent, and 
unanimously agreed to. 

The Vice-President appointed, under the second re.solu- 
tion, as the committee on the part of the Senate to act in con- 
junction with the committee on the part of the House of Rep- 
resentatives, Mr. Penrose, Mr. Knox, Mr. Alle^, Mr. Scott, Mr. 
Bacon, and Mr. Dubois. 

Mr. Penrose. Mr. President, I submit a further resolution, 
which I send to the desk. 

The Vic]C-PrESIdi<:nt. The resolution will be read. 

The Secretary read the resolution, as follows: 

Resolved, That as an additional mark of respect to the memory of the 
deceased, the Senate do now adjourn. 



Proceedings in iJie Senate 39 

The resolution was considered b}- unanimous consent, and 
unanimously agreed to; and (at 4 o'clock and 8 minutes p. m.) 
the Senate adjourned until to-morrow, Thursday, March 22, 
1906, at 12 o'clock meridian. 

MESSAGE FROM THE HOUSE. 

Monday, April 2j, igo6. 

The message transmitted to the Senate the resolutions of the 
House connnemorative of the life and public services of Hon. 
George R. Patterson, late a Representative from the State of 
Pennsylvania. 

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